Hearts’ Homecoming OFF due to Another Stand Delay

Hearts’ £12million new stand may not be cleared in time for Sunday’s scheduled opening.

The Jambos are set to face struggling Partick Thistle in an important battle in the Scottish Premiership for Craig Levein’s side. Hearts are currently on a three-game-skid and were hoping to be back at their own ground this Sunday. Edinburgh City Council may force the opening to be delayed again and, in turn, postpone the fixture.

There are no concerns over the granting of a safety certificate. The concern is whether the certificate will be signed off in time for Sunday’s game.

Hearts Chief Executive, Ann Budge, is hopeful that the new stand will be cleared in the next 48 hours by the City’s council. Nevertheless, Partick Thistle management and the SPFL have been notified of the last minute mandatory adjustments and that a postponement could take place.

A Hearts statement read: “Work is continuing at a considerable pace with a view to being ready for Sunday’s 3pm kick-off against Partick Thistle.”

Hearts’ Tynecastle Stadium. Source: Google

Hearts have played their ‘home’ games at Scotland’s national rugby stadium, Murrayfield, so far. However, Scotland’s national side host the All Blacks on Saturday and, therefore, it would not be possible for the Jambos to switch their game to Murrayfield.

Having played eight of their first nine league games away from home, Hearts are used to being displaced and homeless this season. This will be the first time a fixture would be postponed due to the stand. It was originally hoped the stand would be ready and cleared in time for their last home league game against Kilmarnock, but that match also had to be switched to Murrayfield.